By Dynamis Ministries | May 13, 2021
Simultaneously simple yet difficult, spiritual disciplines act as a doorway leading us to a life of transformation. Simple because they are accessible to the ordinary man or woman and don’t require great spiritual intellect. Difficult because even the most mature still never fully arrive and are continuously challenged in the flesh by these activities. These spiritual disciplines are practices rooted in Scripture that promote spiritual growth and can help us experience God more deeply. Some of these include fasting, meditation on Scripture, confessional prayer, and solitude. They can be practiced individually or corporately, draw us inward or be displayed outward. Spiritual disciplines are very powerful rhythms of life that draw us closer to God, and generosity is part of this lineage.
Generosity is connected to many of the spiritual disciplines, especially service and worship. The spiritual discipline of service is doing acts of love and good for others. It redefines greatness. Greatness is not found in job title or position, but in humility and service to others. Acts of service free us from the cultural pressures of career advancement and keeping up with the Joneses and help us relate to one another as the true brothers and sisters in Christ. As we practice this discipline we grow in humility and in our relationships with God and people. This is seen in times when it’s hard to listen to God through Scripture or prayer, but we hear him speak through those we serve.
Worship is a spiritual discipline we experience with other believers. It’s an outpouring for not only who he is, but for what he has done in our lives and in the lives of others. Worship reconnects us to God and his story and transforms us as much as anything else. In Richard Foster’s book, Celebration of Discipline, he says, “Worship is our response to the overtures of love from the heart of the Father. It is kindled within us only when the Spirit of God touches our human spirit.” When our spirit intersects with God’s Spirit, the form of our worship – singing, dancing, praying – becomes secondary when compared to the increasing desire to remain in the Lord’s presence. Corporate worship recenters us on God and strengthens us to walk with him throughout our days as we follow his divine promptings.
Generosity is clearly linked to these spiritual disciplines. It is a sacred practice because it is truly transformative. Generosity is woven into the spiritual discipline of service. We can’t serve one another without first being generous with our time or resources. Generosity is deeply connected to worship as well. Giving back to God is part of our corporate act of worship because we give out of a generosity of spirit in our hearts. Viewing generosity through the spiritual disciplines can give it a new place in the Christian life. It certainly elevates the role of generosity by putting it in the family of spiritual disciplines that are a sacred part of our discipleship. Looking at generosity in a sacred way could bear significant fruit in our lives.
This week’s Dynamis Drop is inspired in part by Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. This book is a classic on the spiritual disciplines and a great read for anybody desiring to grow in their spiritual journey.
Reference:
Foster, Richard J. 1998. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
